Black Actors Who Are Voices In Famous Cartoons

The world of animation relies heavily on the distinct voices that bring beloved characters to life on screen. Many legendary performers have transitioned from live action roles to the recording booth to define the personalities of iconic animated figures. Black actors have made significant contributions to the industry by voicing heroes and villains across various decades. These performances often become as memorable as the physical presence of the actors in their cinematic projects.

Keith David

Keith David provided the authoritative voice for the lead character Goliath in the animated series ‘Gargoyles’. His resonant bass voice brought a sense of nobility and gravity to the leader of the Manhattan Clan. He also voiced the villainous Dr. Facilier in the animated feature ‘The Princess and the Frog’. This actor has appeared in numerous other projects including ‘Spawn’ and ‘Adventure Time’. His extensive voice acting career has made him one of the most recognizable voices in modern animation.

James Earl Jones

James Earl Jones is world famous for providing the powerful voice of Mufasa in the classic film ‘The Lion King’. His performance helped establish the majestic and wise nature of the king of the Pride Lands. He reprised this role in several sequels and the later adaptation of the story. The actor also voiced characters in ‘The Simpsons’ during the early years of the show. His deep vocal range is often cited as one of the most influential in the history of cinema and television.

Samuel L. Jackson

Samuel L. Jackson brought his signature energy to the role of Frozone in the hit movie ‘The Incredibles’. He played the ice wielding superhero who is a close friend to the main family. The actor also voiced the titular character in the stylized series ‘Afro Samurai’. He lent his voice to the Gin Rummy character in ‘The Boondocks’ as well. His vocal performances are known for their intensity and comedic timing.

Phil LaMarr

Phil LaMarr is a prolific voice actor who portrayed the stoic protagonist in ‘Samurai Jack’. He is also well known for voicing the Green Lantern John Stewart in the ‘Justice League’ series. His range allows him to play a wide variety of characters across different genres of animation. He voiced Hermes Conrad in the long running science fiction comedy ‘Futurama’. His contributions to the voice acting community have earned him immense respect among fans and peers.

Kevin Michael Richardson

Kevin Michael Richardson has voiced hundreds of characters including the Joker in the series ‘The Batman’. His incredibly deep and versatile voice has allowed him to play everything from terrifying monsters to gentle giants. He played the role of Gantu in ‘Lilo & Stitch’ and appeared in ‘Family Guy’ as various characters. Many viewers recognize his work in ‘Teen Titans’ where he voiced the villainous Trigon. He remains one of the most active and sought after voice performers in Hollywood today.

Khary Payton

Khary Payton is the recognizable voice behind Cyborg in the popular series ‘Teen Titans’ and its comedic spin-off. He brought a youthful and energetic personality to the half human and half robot hero. The actor also voiced Aqualad in the series ‘Young Justice’. His work in the ‘G.I. Joe’ franchise is also highly regarded by animation enthusiasts. He continues to be a staple in the superhero animation genre.

LeVar Burton

LeVar Burton provided the voice for Kwame in the environmentally conscious series ‘Captain Planet and the Planeteers’. His character was the leader of the group and possessed the power of earth. The actor is also known for his guest appearances in various animated shows like ‘Family Guy’. He brought a calm and instructional tone to his animated roles that reflected his public persona. His work in animation is part of a long career dedicated to educational and entertaining content.

Michael-Leon Wooley

Michael-Leon Wooley voiced the jazz loving alligator Louis in the Disney film ‘The Princess and the Frog’. His soulful and comedic performance was a highlight of the musical adventure. He also voiced the character Darkseid in ‘Justice League Action’. The actor has a background in Broadway which he uses to bring musicality to his voice roles. He has appeared in several other series including ‘Adventure Time’ and ‘Batman: The Brave and the Bold’.

Eddie Murphy

Eddie Murphy delivered one of the most iconic voice performances as Donkey in the ‘Shrek’ franchise. His fast talking and witty character became a central part of the success of the films. He also voiced Mushu the dragon in the Disney animated classic ‘Mulan’. His comedic style translated perfectly to the medium of animation. These roles remain some of the most beloved characters in the history of modern animated features.

Chris Rock

Chris Rock voiced the energetic zebra Marty in the ‘Madagascar’ film series. His performance provided much of the humor and energy for the group of animals stranded on an island. He also voiced the main character in the movie ‘Osmosis Jones’ which blended live action and animation. The actor brought his stand up comedy sensibilities to these animated projects. His unique vocal delivery makes his characters instantly recognizable to audiences.

Will Smith

Will Smith voiced the ambitious fish Oscar in the underwater adventure ‘Shark Tale’. He brought his charm and charisma to the lead role of the dreamer living in a reef city. The actor also lent his voice to the character Lance Sterling in ‘Spies in Disguise’. His transition to voice acting allowed him to reach younger audiences through high energy performances. He is known for infusing his animated characters with his personal brand of humor.

Arsenio Hall

Arsenio Hall provided the voice for Winston Zeddemore in the animated series ‘The Real Ghostbusters’. He took over the role from the live action films and voiced the character for several seasons. The actor also voiced characters in the show ‘The Proud Family’. He brought a grounded and professional tone to his work in the supernatural comedy series. His involvement in 1980s animation is fondly remembered by fans of the franchise.

Ernie Hudson

Ernie Hudson voiced the character Agent Bill Fowler in the series ‘Transformers: Prime’. He played a government liaison who worked closely with the robotic protagonists. The actor has a long history of voicing characters in various superhero and action series. He appeared in ‘Spawn’ and voiced Lucius Fox in several ‘Batman’ projects. His deep and steady voice provides a sense of authority to the characters he portrays.

Bumper Robinson

Bumper Robinson is known for voicing the character Cyborg in the series ‘Justice League: Doom’. He also voiced the speedster Bumblebee in ‘Transformers Animated’. The actor has been working in animation since he was a child and has a vast filmography. He provided the voice for Falcon in ‘Avengers Assemble’ and voiced characters in ‘The Batman’. His versatility allows him to play both heroic leaders and comedic sidekicks.

Ogie Banks

Ogie Banks is the voice of Luke Cage and Miles Morales in the series ‘Ultimate Spider-Man’. He has built a strong career by voicing major Marvel superheroes in various animated formats. The actor also appeared in ‘Monster High’ and ‘Naruto: Shippuden’ as different characters. His youthful and heroic vocal quality fits perfectly with modern action animation. He remains a frequent contributor to both television and video game voice acting.

Zeno Robinson

Zeno Robinson has quickly become a prominent figure in animation voicing Hawks in ‘My Hero Academia’. He also provided the voice for Hunter in the hit series ‘The Owl House’. The actor is known for his ability to convey deep emotion and complex character arcs through his voice work. He has appeared in ‘Young Justice’ as Cyborg and Victor Stone. His rising career includes roles in many popular anime and western animated shows.

Donald Glover

Donald Glover voiced the character Marshall Lee in the popular series ‘Adventure Time’. He also provided the voice for Miles Morales in the ‘Ultimate Spider-Man’ animated series. The actor and musician brought a cool and modern sensibility to these fan favorite characters. He later voiced the adult Simba in the 2019 version of ‘The Lion King’. His talent for vocal performance is evident in his diverse range of characters.

Tyler James Williams

Tyler James Williams voiced the character Firestorm in the series ‘Batman: The Brave and the Bold’. He brought a youthful energy to the teenage superhero who shares a body with a scientist. The actor is well known for his live action work but has made several appearances in animation. He also voiced characters in ‘The Walking Dead’ webisodes and other minor projects. His performance as a superhero showcased his ability to handle action oriented dialogue.

Giancarlo Esposito

Giancarlo Esposito provides the voice for Lex Luthor in the adult animated series ‘Harley Quinn’. He brings a cold and calculating demeanor to the classic DC villain. The actor also voiced the character Baxter Stockman in the film ‘Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem’. His sophisticated and commanding voice makes him an ideal choice for authoritative figures. He has lent his talents to various animated projects that require a strong vocal presence.

Tony Todd

Tony Todd voiced the terrifying villain Dreadwing in the series ‘Transformers: Prime’. He is also known for voicing the character Zoom in the ‘The Flash’ television series. His incredibly deep and gravelly voice is perfect for portraying formidable and scary characters. He has appeared in ‘Justice League’ and ‘Beavis and Butt-Head’ over the course of his career. His presence in animation often adds a layer of intensity to any project.

Michael Jai White

Michael Jai White voiced the character Doomsday in the ‘Justice League’ animated series. He also provided the voice for the hero Bronze Tiger in several ‘Batman’ projects. The actor is known for his martial arts background which he brings to the physical performance of his characters. He voiced the lead character in the animated version of ‘Black Dynamite’. His vocal work is characterized by a strong and confident delivery.

Carl Lumbly

Carl Lumbly is famous for voicing the Martian Manhunter in the ‘Justice League’ and ‘Justice League Unlimited’ series. His calm and melodic voice defined the character for an entire generation of fans. He also provided the voice for Silas Stone in ‘Justice League: Gods and Monsters’. The actor has appeared in ‘Batman Beyond’ and other major DC animated projects. His performance is often cited as the definitive version of the alien superhero.

Cedric the Entertainer

Cedric the Entertainer voiced the character Maurice in the ‘Madagascar’ film franchise. He played the loyal and skeptical advisor to King Julien throughout the series. The actor also voiced Bobby Proud in the Disney animated series ‘The Proud Family’. His comedic timing and distinct vocal inflections make his characters stand out. He has contributed to several other animated films including ‘Ice Age’ and ‘Charlotte’s Web’.

Bernie Mac

Bernie Mac provided the voice for Zuba in the sequel ‘Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa’. He played the father of Alex the lion and brought a mixture of toughness and warmth to the role. The actor was known for his unique comedic voice which translated well to the big screen. This was one of his final film roles before his passing. His performance added a significant emotional core to the animated adventure.

David Alan Grier

David Alan Grier voiced the character Red in the animated movie ‘Stuart Little 3: Call of the Wild’. He also provided the voice for various characters in the series ‘The Proud Family’. The actor has a long history of comedic work that he utilizes in his voice acting. He appeared in the animated series ‘Pinky and the Brain’ and ‘Happily Ever After: Fairy Tales for Every Child’. His versatile voice allows him to play both over the top and grounded characters.

Wayne Brady

Wayne Brady provided the voice for King Dice in the animated series ‘The Cuphead Show!’. He also voiced characters in ‘The Loud House’ and ‘Phineas and Ferb’. The actor is known for his incredible vocal range and singing ability which he often uses in his roles. He played the role of Clover in the series ‘Sofia the First’. His background in improv comedy makes him a dynamic performer in the recording studio.

Taye Diggs

Taye Diggs voiced the character Capper in ‘My Little Pony: The Movie’. He brought a suave and charming personality to the anthropomorphic cat character. The actor also provided the voice for Triton in the animated series ‘The Little Mermaid’. He has appeared in various projects that allow him to use his smooth vocal quality. His work in animation often highlights his ability to play charismatic leads.

Sinbad

Sinbad provided the voice for the character Milton in the animated film ‘The Brave Little Toaster to the Rescue’. He also voiced the character Roper in the Disney movie ‘Planes’. The actor was a prominent voice in 1990s animation appearing in shows like ‘Happily Ever After: Fairy Tales for Every Child’. His energetic and comedic delivery made him a popular choice for family friendly content. He continues to be remembered for his contributions to animated features.

Martin Lawrence

Martin Lawrence voiced the main character Boog in the animated comedy ‘Open Season’. He played a domesticated grizzly bear who finds himself lost in the wild. The actor brought his high energy and physical comedy style to the vocal performance. This role was his first major foray into leading an animated feature film. His performance helped launch a successful franchise of films and spin-offs.

Morgan Freeman

Morgan Freeman voiced the wise character Vitruvius in ‘The LEGO Movie’. His iconic and soothing voice was used to great comedic effect in the film. He also provided the narration for various animated documentaries and shorts. The actor is globally recognized for his vocal authority and calm delivery. His presence in animation often brings a sense of prestige to the production.

Dave Fennoy

Dave Fennoy is a legendary voice actor known for playing Lee Everett in ‘The Walking Dead’ series. In the world of cartoons he voiced Tetrax Shard in ‘Ben 10’ and many characters in ‘Star Wars: The Clone Wars’. He has a deep and resonant voice that is often used for mentors and powerful figures. The actor has voiced characters in ‘The Avengers: Earth’s Mightiest Heroes’ and ‘Ultimate Spider-Man’. He remains a prolific and respected figure in the voice acting industry.

Kevin Hart

Kevin Hart provided the voice for the villainous rabbit Snowball in ‘The Secret Life of Pets’. His fast paced and aggressive comedic style made the character a fan favorite. He reprised the role for the sequel where his character transitioned into a hero. The actor also voiced a character in the film ‘Captain Underpants: The First Epic Movie’. His transition to animation has been highly successful with audiences of all ages.

Keegan-Michael Key

Keegan-Michael Key voiced the character Ducky in the Disney film ‘Toy Story 4’. He also provided the voice for Murray the Mummy in the ‘Hotel Transylvania’ franchise. The actor is known for his incredible range of voices and comedic characters. He has appeared in ‘The Lion King’ remake as one of the hyenas. His work in animation often involves close collaboration with his comedic partners.

Jordan Peele

Jordan Peele voiced the character Bunny in ‘Toy Story 4’ alongside his comedic partner. He also provided the voice for the Ghost of Duke Ellington in the series ‘Big Mouth’. The actor and director has a background in character comedy that serves him well in animation. He appeared in the film ‘Storks’ and voiced a character in ‘Captain Underpants: The First Epic Movie’. His vocal performances are noted for their creativity and unique timing.

Laurence Fishburne

Laurence Fishburne provides the voice for the Beyonder in the series ‘Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur’. He also serves as an executive producer for the show which features a young Black female lead. The actor has a commanding and theatrical voice that fits the cosmic nature of his character. He previously voiced the Silver Surfer in the film ‘Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer’. His involvement in animation brings a level of gravitas to the projects he chooses.

Avery Brooks

Avery Brooks provided the voice for the character Nokkar in the series ‘Gargoyles’. He also voiced characters in the ‘Happily Ever After: Fairy Tales for Every Child’ series. The actor is known for his rhythmic and intense vocal delivery. His work in animation is relatively rare but highly memorable for fans of his live action roles. He brings a unique intellectual quality to the characters he portrays.

Gary Anthony Williams

Gary Anthony Williams is the voice behind Uncle Ruckus in the satirical series ‘The Boondocks’. He has a massive range and provides voices for characters in ‘The Lion Guard’ and ‘Rick and Morty’. The actor is also known for playing Bebop in the film ‘Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows’. He has appeared in ‘Family Guy’ and ‘American Dad’ as various recurring characters. His ability to change his voice drastically makes him a versatile asset to any production.

John Witherspoon

John Witherspoon voiced the character Granddad in the popular animated series ‘The Boondocks’. His hilarious and distinct vocal style was a major reason for the success of the show. The actor brought his comedic experience from live action films to the animated medium. He also provided voices for the series ‘The Proud Family’ and ‘Kim Possible’. His legacy in animation remains strong due to his iconic performance as the head of the Freeman family.

JB Smoove

JB Smoove provides the voice for Frank the Plant in the ‘Harley Quinn’ animated series. He brings his signature high energy and improvised comedic style to the character. The actor also voiced characters in the ‘Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles’ series and ‘The Simpsons’. His vocal performance is often characterized by fast talking and sharp wit. He has become a popular choice for comedic roles in modern animation.

Ron Funches

Ron Funches voiced the character Cooper in the ‘Trolls’ film franchise. He also provides the voice for King Shark in the ‘Harley Quinn’ animated series. The actor has a unique and soft spoken voice that contrasts with the often large characters he plays. He has appeared in ‘Adventure Time’ and ‘Bob’s Burgers’ as various guest characters. His cheerful and gentle vocal delivery has made him a standout in recent years.

Kenan Thompson

Kenan Thompson provided the voice for the character Bricklebaum in the animated film ‘The Grinch’. He also voiced the title character in the movie ‘Fat Albert’. The actor has a long history with animation having appeared in ‘The Smurfs’ films as well. He brings a friendly and comedic tone to his various voice roles. His work in the industry spans several decades and includes both television and film.

Kel Mitchell

Kel Mitchell provided the voice for T-Bone in the popular children’s series ‘Clifford the Big Red Dog’. He also voiced characters in the series ‘Wild Grinders’ and ‘Motorcity’. The actor is known for his high energy and enthusiastic vocal performances. He has appeared in various Nickelodeon animated projects throughout his career. His work in children’s animation has made him a recognizable voice for several generations.

James Avery

James Avery provided the definitive voice for the villainous Shredder in the original ‘Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles’ series. He brought a menacing and deep tone to the leader of the Foot Clan. The actor also voiced War Machine in the 1990s ‘Iron Man’ animated show. He appeared in ‘The Wild Thornberrys’ and ‘Spider-Man’ during his career. His powerful voice is considered one of the most iconic in action animation history.

Buster Jones

Buster Jones was a prolific voice actor who provided the voice for Blaster in ‘The Transformers’ series. He also voiced the character Doc in the classic ‘G.I. Joe’ animated show. The actor was known for his steady and reliable vocal presence in action cartoons. He took over the role of Winston Zeddemore in ‘The Real Ghostbusters’ for later seasons. His work during the 1980s and 1990s helped define several major franchises.

Greg Eagles

Greg Eagles is best known for voicing the character Grim in ‘The Grim Adventures of Billy & Mandy’. He brought a unique Jamaican accent to the personification of death which became a highlight of the show. The actor also voiced the character Brother Ninja in ‘Afro Samurai’. He has appeared in ‘The Shield’ and various video games like ‘Metal Gear Solid’. His distinct vocal style has made his characters some of the most memorable in modern animation.

Isaac Hayes

Isaac Hayes provided the voice for the character Chef in the adult animated series ‘South Park’. His deep and soulful voice was used for musical numbers and comedic advice. The actor helped the show become a global phenomenon during its early seasons. He also appeared in various animated projects as a guest star before his passing. His performance remains a legendary part of the history of adult animation.

Dennis Haysbert

Dennis Haysbert voiced the character Kilowog in ‘Green Lantern: The Animated Series’. He brought a sense of toughness and mentorship to the alien drill sergeant role. The actor is known for his authoritative and deep voice which he uses in various commercials and films. He also provided the voice for Master Ox in ‘Kung Fu Panda 2’. His vocal presence often gives a sense of wisdom and strength to his animated figures.

Brock Peters

Brock Peters provided the voice for Lucius Fox in ‘Batman: The Animated Series’. He also voiced the character Darth Vader in the radio dramatizations of ‘Star Wars’. The actor had a powerful and dignified voice that was perfect for respected characters. He appeared in the animated series ‘The Pirates of Dark Water’ as well. His contributions to voice acting are remembered for their elegance and dramatic weight.

Phil Morris

Phil Morris is the voice behind Vandal Savage in the ‘Justice League’ animated series. He also provided the voice for Silas Stone in the ‘Teen Titans Go!’ movie and show. The actor has a long history of voicing both heroes and villains in the DC and Marvel universes. He voiced the character Joshua Sweet in the Disney film ‘Atlantis: The Lost Empire’. His refined and versatile voice allows him to play characters with great complexity.

Kevin Grevioux

Kevin Grevioux provided the voice for the villainous Black Beetle in the series ‘Young Justice’. He is known for having one of the deepest natural voices in Hollywood which requires no electronic enhancement. The actor also voiced characters in the ‘The Avengers: Earth’s Mightiest Heroes’ series. He has appeared in ‘Hulk and the Agents of S.M.A.S.H.’ as the character Terrax. His unique vocal depth makes his characters truly imposing on screen.

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